Scott Vincent Sica, 36, was arrested at his home around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday in Cape Coral, Fla., the Lee County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

Sica was charged was first-degree murder and is being held without bond in a Florida detention center. There are plans to extradite Sica to North Carolina in the near future, said Jonesville Police Chief Roger Reece.

"I was really shell-shocked most of all," she said. "Because it was like a big weight off my shoulders. I was. for the first time in many years, I was able to lay down and sleep knowing that the right person was responsible and they finally caught him, and I can just sleep easy and not have to second guess anybody and trust again."

The FBI, SBI and local authorities in North Carolina and Florida helped with the investigation, Jonesville police said.

Martin was shot Oct. 5, 1996, during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 77, one mile south of Exit 82 in Jonesville. Officials said his weapon was found in its holster, meaning he didn't have time to defend himself.

Investigators said the red Dodge Ram truck Martin stopped was stolen but was later abandoned in Elkin, where the gunman stole a van from Lucia, Inc. The van was later found at a Home Depot in Gastonia, where the trail went cold.

Detectives have spent years handing out and posting fliers in the search for clues. Martin was 30 years old and married.

In 2011, officials increased the award for information leading to an arrest to $130,000.

"Anyone who dares to shoot and kill a member of law enforcement is inherently dangerous and should not be allowed to roam free and possibly live next door. The shooter has family members, friends or even neighbors who may know something. We need those people to help us solve the murder of a man who died serving his community," FBI Agent Chris Briese told WXII in 2011.

In an October 2006 interview with WXII, Jonesville authorities said they continued to look for breaks in the case.

"I take this case home with me," said Detective Roger Reece. "I pray about it. I've asked God to give me a direction. He has."